How to Make Challah Bread

So, we’ve been following a loose Paleo diet since January (with occasional cheating here and there)…loads of veg, fruit and meat. And not much else. We feel really great! Those cavemen were smart cookies. (Not that they ate many cookies or anything.) But a few days ago, Drew sort of had a freak out. He opened the fridge, looked at the broccoli and oranges and eggs, and said, in a rather loud voice, “Where are all the Glutens around here? I love gluten. Gluten loves me. I MISS the Glutens! I WANT GLUTEN!” And so, I quietly pulled out the yeast, flour and mixer and went to work to make him a giant loaf of glutenous, delicious bread. And so, for all the gluten-lovers, here are some simple step-by-step instructions of how to make challah bread.

Challah is a traditional Jewish bread, used for special holidays and Shabbat. It’s eggy and slightly sweet, and is yummy right out of the oven or for French toast or sandwiches. This is our interpretation of the classic…

Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. If the yeast “grows” and forms foamy bubbles within about five minutes, you’ve succeeded. High five!

Add the rest of the ingredients and knead until it’s smooth and elastic. This can be done with the dough hook on a stand mixer, OR do it yourself for an excellent “arm day” workout.

After letting it rest and rise for about an hour, you get to do the fun part…BRAIDS! Traditionally, Challah is braided using four to six strands, sometimes into very complicated patterns. For newbies, this is a textbook braid…just like your hair! Divide the dough into three parts, roll each out with your hands (like you did with play dough when you were six) and braid away!

Let it rest and rise AGAIN! And maybe you should rest, too. That kneading and braiding is a lot of work 😉

Brush with egg whites and sprinkle with poppy seeds, if you like that kind of thing. Bake for about 30 minutes while you stand in front of the oven, inhaling that amazing aroma!

Get the butter, honey and jam ready. And your camera. This is about the prettiest bread you’ll ever bake! Well done.